Unit Review & Progress Test

Unit review — Wildlife Conservation & Rewilding

Al finalizar esta unidad, deberías ser capaz de utilizar estructuras gramaticales complejas para expresar concesión y contraste, permitiéndote matizar opiniones sobre temas polémicos. Habrás desarrollado la capacidad de discutir temas ambientales de alto nivel utilizando un léxico especializado y preciso.

Asimismo, habrás perfeccionado tu habilidad para sintetizar información de textos complejos y producir respuestas escritas coherentes que cumplan con los estándares del nivel C1. Este examen de revisión evalúa tanto tu precisión técnica como tu capacidad para aplicar el conocimiento en contextos académicos y profesionales.

Grammar consolidation

Complete the following tasks using adverbial clauses of concession (although, even though, much as, for all that).

Part A: Sentence Transformation Rewrite the sentences using the word in brackets so that the meaning remains the same. Do not change the word provided.

1. Despite the fact that the rewilding project is expensive, it is necessary for biodiversity. (ALTHOUGH)

2. Even though they faced heavy criticism, the conservationists continued their work. (MUCH)

3. He loves nature very much, but he cannot stop living in the city. (AS)

4. Despite all his expertise in ecology, he couldn't prevent the species' extinction. (FOR)

Part B: Error Correction Identify and correct the error in each sentence.

5. Even though the habitat is being restored, but the local population is declining.

6. Much as we want to protect the wolves, however, we must consider human safety.

7. For all that the government's efforts, the poaching continues unabated.

Part C: Controlled Rewriting Rewrite the sentences to make them more formal and sophisticated (C1 level).

8. It was raining hard, but the researchers went out to track the leopards. (EVEN THOUGH)

9. I really want to help the environment, but I don't have enough time. (MUCH)

10. Although the laws are strict, illegal hunting is still a problem. (FOR) _______________

Vocabulary activation

Task 1: Collocations Complete the sentences with the correct verb or adjective to form a natural C1 collocation.

1. The government has implemented strict laws to prevent the _____ of endangered species.
2. Habitat _____ is one of the primary drivers of biodiversity loss.
3. We must take urgent _____ to restore the natural balance of the ecosystem.
4. The reintroduction of apex predators can have a profound _____ effect on the food chain.

Task 2: Word Formation Use the word in capitals to form a word that fits in the gap.

5. The _____ of the local flora was caused by the sudden change in climate. (VARIETY)
6. Scientists are working on _____ solutions to protect migratory birds. (SUSTAIN)
7. The _____ of the rainforest is a global concern. (DESTROY)
8. Many species are currently facing the threat of _____ in the wild. (EXTINCT)

Task 3: Register Choice Choose the most appropriate word for a formal academic report (A, B, or C).

9. The _____ of the ecosystem was observed after the rewilding project began. A) change | B) alteration | C) shift
10. The project aims to _____ the natural processes of the area. A) facilitate | B) make easy | C) help
11. There is a _____ need for international cooperation in wildlife protection. A) big | B) pressing | C) heavy
12. The loss of _____ is a major concern for ecologists. A) biodiversity | B) biological variety | C) diverse life

Integrated skills task

Source Text: The Dilemma of Rewilding

Rewilding represents a radical shift in conservation strategy, moving away from traditional preservation towards the active restoration of natural processes. By reintroducing keystone species—such as wolves or beavers—proponents argue that ecosystems can become self-sustaining once more. This approach aims to reduce the need for constant human intervention, allowing nature to take the lead.

However, the practice is not without controversy. Critics argue that rewilding can lead to unpredictable consequences, potentially threatening livestock or disrupting existing land uses. Furthermore, the ethical implications of moving animals into new environments are often debated. While the goal is to restore a lost equilibrium, the reality of managing wild spaces in a human-dominated world remains a complex challenge. Balancing ecological integrity with the socio-economic needs of local communities is the central tension of modern conservation efforts.

Writing Task

Instrucciones: Basándote en el texto anterior, escribe un ensayo de respuesta (180-220 palabras) en el que evalúes los argumentos presentados. Debes expresar tu opinión sobre si los beneficios de la rewilding superan los riesgos potenciales, utilizando un vocabulario avanzado y estructuras de concesión aprendidas en esta unidad.

Speaking checkpoint

Answer the following prompts to practice your C1 speaking skills. You may record yourself or practice with a partner.

1. Compare: Compare the traditional approach of "preserving" nature (keeping things as they are) with the "rewilding" approach. Which do you think is more effective?
2. Speculate: How might the landscape of your own country change in fifty years if rewilding projects become widespread?
3. Evaluate: Evaluate the statement: "Humanity has no right to interfere with nature, even through conservation efforts."
4. Justify: Justify why keystone species are so vital to the health of an ecosystem.
5. Contrast: Contrast the views of a local farmer with those of an environmental scientist regarding the reintroduction of large predators.
6. Hypothesize: If you were a policymaker, how would you balance economic development with the need for habitat protection?

Self-assessment rubric

Answer key

Grammar consolidation 1. Although the rewilding project is expensive, it is necessary for biodiversity. 2. Much as the conservationists want to help, they face heavy criticism. (Or: Much as they face criticism, the conservationists continue...) 3. Much as I love nature, I cannot stop living in the city. 4. For all his expertise in ecology, he couldn't prevent the species' extinction. 5. Even though the habitat is being restored, the local population is declining. (Remove 'but') 6. Much as we want to protect the wolves, we must consider human safety. (Remove 'however') 7. For all the government's efforts, poaching continues unabated. 8. Even though it was raining heavily, the researchers went out to track the leopards. 9. Much as I want to help the environment, I don't have enough time. 10. For all the strictness of the laws, illegal hunting is still a problem. (Or: For all the laws' strictness...)

Vocabulary activation 1. trafficking 2. loss 3. action 4. cascading 5. variability 6. sustainable 7. destruction 8. extinction 9. B (alteration) 10. A (facilitate) 11. B (pressing) 12. A (biodiversity)